Sternberg and Lubart (1999) defined creativity as the ability to produce work that is both novel and appropriate. This definition relates to the two general approaches to creativity, divergent thinking (generating lots of unique ideas) and convergent thinking (combining these ideas into a best result) (Guilford, 1950). Theorists contend that alternating between divergent and convergent thinking is important as there is a role for both creating new ideas and for validating these ideas (Amabile, 1996; Bronson and Merryman, 2010). Treffinger, Young, Selby, and Shepardson (2002) identify two other components of creativity that are critical for the entrepreneur: “openness and courage to explore ideas” and “listening to one’s inner voice”. “Openness and courage to explore ideas,” referred to as “openness” in the rest of the paper, includes personality traits and relates to interests, experiences, attitudes and self-confidence. They include characteristics such as problem sensitivity, curiosity, sense of humor, risk-taking, tolerance for ambiguity, and adaptability. “Listening to one’s inner voice” includes a personal view of self and involves self-reflection, vision, and the traits of perseverance, concentration, energy, and work ethic.
"Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open." James Dewar
Divergent thinking – more than a mere tool – is a technique very commonly used on creative activities because it allows us to expand our brains a little bit, by looking for new opportunities and ways of getting things done.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent Thinking
"Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things."— Theodore Levitt
What is creativity?
Sternberg and Lubart (1999) defined creativity as the ability to produce work that is both novel and appropriate. This definition relates to the two general approaches to creativity, divergent thinking (generating lots of unique ideas) and convergent thinking (combining these ideas into a best result) (Guilford, 1950). Theorists contend that alternating between divergent and convergent thinking is important as there is a role for both creating new ideas and for validating these ideas (Amabile, 1996; Bronson and Merryman, 2010). Treffinger, Young, Selby, and Shepardson (2002) identify two other components of creativity that are critical for the entrepreneur: “openness and courage to explore ideas” and “listening to one’s inner voice”. “Openness and courage to explore ideas,” referred to as “openness” in the rest of the paper, includes personality traits and relates to interests, experiences, attitudes and self-confidence. They include characteristics such as problem sensitivity, curiosity, sense of humor, risk-taking, tolerance for ambiguity, and adaptability. “Listening to one’s inner voice” includes a personal view of self and involves self-reflection, vision, and the traits of perseverance, concentration, energy, and work ethic."Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open." James Dewar
Divergent thinking – more than a mere tool – is a technique very commonly used on creative activities because it allows us to expand our brains a little bit, by looking for new opportunities and ways of getting things done.
"Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things."— Theodore Levitt
References
1. Schmidt, Jacqueline J.; Soper, John C.; Bernaciak, Jill. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education. 2013, Vol. 16, p31-44.
Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 28 November 2014.
2. http://creativegibberish.org/439/divergent-thinking/
3. http://www.leadershipnow.com/creativityquotes.html